I have only done a 2000yd. swim twice. Both times my neck was somewhat sore/stiff. I usually swim 1000-1500 total. Is it just the constant bending of my neck or possibly doing to much distance above what I am accustomed too?Last night after doing the 2000, I inhaled a sharp breath and now have a VERY stiff neck. Hard to turn side to side.

I started having pain in my shoulder/neck after ramping up my swimming about a year ago and did some research and it was suggested to try breathing every third on alternate sides or switch sides every x laps to help prevent injury. It took awhile to learn how, but it comes second nature for me now. For races I still only breath on one side every 2nd stroke as my race pace requries that amount of intake.

There are other postives to learning how to breath on either side for racing such as better sighting, look away from the sun, ability to breath away from oncoming waves, or to breath away from someone swimming and splashing next to you. Lots of threads about this topic. Do a search for "bilateral breathing" to read more.

Maybe get a massge for your neck/shoulders and take some time off from swimming. Just my two cents....good luck.

I'm not knocking bilateral breathing but I am a predominately left side breather and have no neck issues when I do 2-5k meter workouts. So, maybe it's a swim technique issue? Your neck shouldn't hurt if you are rotating correctly when you breathe as opposed to just turning your neck. Just a thought.....

My guess is it has nothing to do with the ability to bilateral breathe but that your lifting your head to breathe instead of rotating properly, swimming with your head up or both. Swimming a longer set has just caused the fatigue to set in and so now you feel it more.

gerald12 - 2009-11-10 9:01 AM My guess is it has nothing to do with the ability to bilateral breathe but that your lifting your head to breathe instead of rotating properly, swimming with your head up or both. Swimming a longer set has just caused the fatigue to set in and so now you feel it more.

This. x2. I very rarely if ever breath bilaterally anymore, and I don't have a problem.

Here's an experiment. Sitting upright looking at the screen, tilt ONLY your head back so you are looking up by about 30 degrees or so. Then CAREFULLY turn your head like you were going to breath while swimming. If you get the same pain in your neck doing that, then that's very likely what you're doing while swimming too.

gerald12 - 2009-11-10 9:01 AM My guess is it has nothing to do with the ability to bilateral breathe but that your lifting your head to breathe instead of rotating properly, swimming with your head up or both. Swimming a longer set has just caused the fatigue to set in and so now you feel it more.

This. x2. I very rarely if ever breath bilaterally anymore, and I don't have a problem.

Here's an experiment. Sitting upright looking at the screen, tilt ONLY your head back so you are looking up by about 30 degrees or so. Then CAREFULLY turn your head like you were going to breath while swimming. If you get the same pain in your neck doing that, then that's very likely what you're doing while swimming too.

John

Makes sense and yes. I will keep an eye on things when I swim next but possibly that is what I am doing. Lifting and turning instead of just turning.Thanks.